Media is a force multiplier and the force must know how to treat them, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said on Friday, adding that police training sessions will now include a subject on how to handle the media.
Replying to a question regarding the recent assault of a journalist by a group of policemen amid riots in Trilokpuri area, Bassi said that police needs to learn to respect the media. “New recruits will now be taught how to deal with the media, but we have felt the need to also introduce a new course to make them understand the role of media in the society and to respect them,” he added, directing the training officials to make arrangements for it.
Highlighting the importance of Press, Bassi said that the Press has always played a significant part in the country’s progress. “Many journalists, who wrote during the struggle for Independence and during Emergency, had to go to jail. Their contribution can’t be wished away. Their role in the Independence of the country is also to be remembered, and hence, must be respected,” he said. Media is working well and their work is equally important for the society. Apart from them, all those who do not belong to the privileged class must feel safe and secure. Police must maintain friendly relations with both mediapersons and the citizens, he said.
In October this year, a reporter from a Hindi daily was allegedly pushed and beaten with batons by policemen when he reached the riot-hit Trilokpuri area of the Capital during the hours when prohibitory orders were lifted. However the DCP, East district reached the spot and the guilty SHO to apologise to the reporter. The SHO was later suspended.